July 29, 2015—Saskatoon, Saskatchewan—Tri-Agency Institutional Programs
Canadians could soon see new plant varieties developed at unprecedented scale and speed that are resistant to pests, disease, heat and drought thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada into a new, world-leading agriculture research program at the University of Saskatchewan. This investment will benefit farmers, create high-value jobs and help to grow the agriculture industry in Canada.
The Honourable Ed Holder, Minister of State (Science and Technology) made the announcement as part of the government’s Canada First Research Excellence Fund, which supports world-leading research at Canada’s universities and colleges.
The $37.2-million federal investment for the Designing Crops for Global Food Security initiative draws on the strengths of Canada’s top plant breeding research, agriculture institutions, businesses and organizations, including partners such as MDA Systems Ltd., PotashCorp, the Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission and Agrisoma Biosciences Inc. This investment will have lasting and tangible benefits for Canadian farmers who have the opportunity to help feed the world.
Designing Crops for Global Food Security will strengthen Canada’s position as a global leader in the field of transformative techniques for crop development. Already a recognized global force in areas such as agriculture, bioresources and sustainable crop production, the University of Saskatchewan will further cement its leadership role as this project aims to use specific genes to “design” plants that can withstand weather and growing seasons to improve global food security.
Today’s announcement follows an open and competitive selection process among Canadian post-secondary institutions. The competition was judged by a panel of Canadian and international scientific experts.
Scott French
Director of Communications and Parliamentary Affairs
Office of the Honourable Ed Holder
Minister of State (Science and Technology)
Tel.: 343-291-2700
Michael Adams
Communications Advisor
Canada First Research Excellence Fund
Tel.: 613-944-1758
Cell: 613-219-7523
Kathryn Warden
Director, Research Profile and Impact
University of Saskatchewan
Tel.: 306-966-2506
Email: kathryn.warden@usask.ca
